Accelerometer for data collection and communication

ABSTRACT

A method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/996,500 filed Nov. 23, 2004 and entitled “Accelerometer for DataCollection and Communication.”

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to communications and, moreparticularly, to an accelerometer for data collection and communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communication architectures have become increasingly important intoday's society. In particular, the ability to quickly and accuratelycommunicate collected data presents a significant obstacle for componentmanufacturers, system designers, and network operators. This obstacle ismade even more difficult due to the plethora of diverse technologiesthat exist in the current market.

As new devices and electronic components become available to theconsumer, new protocols need to be developed in order to appropriatelyinterface with these emerging technologies. For example, certain devicesmay be ill equipped to interface with network components such thatcollected information cannot be suitable relayed over the Internet. Inother scenarios, effective data transmission and data propagationpresent a complicated and an arduous task for the end user to complete.Without such interfacing capabilities, these new devices are stymied intheir operations and inhibited in their performance, as they are unableto take full advantage of the benefits of complimentary components,which exist in the realm of communications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat a need has arisen for an improved data collection and deliveryprocess. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, asystem and a method for collecting and transmitting data from anaccelerometer are provided that substantially eliminate or greatlyreduce disadvantages and problems associated with conventional datatransmission strategies.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method forcommunicating data is provided that includes collecting data associatedwith an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operableto monitor activity associated with the individual. The method alsoincludes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receivethe data and perform any number of operations.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number oftechnical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, an architecture and process are provided that can beused to accurately collect data from a targeted patient. Moreover, suchdata collection may be performed stealthy, which requires no individualeffort by the patient and which ensures the integrity of theinformation. This would allow precise measurements to be collected by anend user, administrator, physician, or nurse on behalf of the patient.High-quality data may be obtained through use of the architecture, asexact measurements may be executed in a systematic fashion. Suchmeasurements may serve as a powerful tool in the context of identifyingactivity parameters for any given individual. The recorded measurementsmay also be used in the context of ascertaining performance data, suchas is the case with performance athletes.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, ornone of these advantages. Other technical advantages may be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures,description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention andfeatures and advantages thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, whereinlike reference numerals represent like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a communication systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a number of example stepsassociated with a method of the communication system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example communicationarchitecture that may be used in the communication system;

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example operation of thecommunication system; and

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of another example operation ofthe communication system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a communication system 10 forcollecting, communicating, and transmitting data. Communication system10 includes an accelerometer 14 and a computing device 18. These twoelements may cooperate in order to exchange data collected from a givenend user (not illustrated) that is using accelerometer 14. The end usermay be an individual (e.g. a patient, an athletic person, an employee,etc.) that seeks to monitor his activity.

Accelerometer 14 is a device that is used to convert an accelerationfrom gravity or from motion into an electrical signal. The input foraccelerometer 14 is generally gravity or motion. Accelerometer 14 canreceive this input and provide an analog and/or a digital output thatreflects this activity. Accelerometer 14 can measure acceleration inunits of “g's”. One “g” is defined as the earth's gravitational pull onan object or a person. For example, 1 g represents the accelerationexerted by the Earth's gravity on an object or person (for example, acell phone on a desk experiences 1 g of acceleration). The accelerationrange experienced by a person when walking is between 0.1-2.0 g.Accelerometer may include a display, as well as any number ofappropriate buttons that facilitate the operations thereof.

Computing device 18 is an element that includes hardware and/or softwarethat is operable to receive activity data from accelerometer 14(directly or indirectly). Computing device 18 may be accessed by anysuitable authorized entity that seeks to review such information. Notethat the term “computing device” encompasses a myriad of potentialdevices that may benefit from the operations of system 10. Computingdevice 28 may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellulartelephone, an Internet protocol (IP) telephone, a personal computer, alaptop computer, or any other suitable device or element that isoperable to receive end user data collected by accelerometer 14. FIG. 1illustrates only one set of example devices that may be used withincommunication system 10. The present invention is replete with numerousalternatives that could be used to receive the collected information.

It should be noted that the internal structure of accelerometer 14 andcomputing device 18 are malleable and can be readily changed, modified,rearranged, or reconfigured in order to achieve their intendedoperations. As identified supra, software and/or hardware may reside incomputing device 18 and/or in accelerometer 14 in order to achieve theteachings of the communication exchange feature of the presentinvention. The software and/or hardware may also be used to offer otherfeatures such as global positioning system (GPS) sensing, geo-fencing,and triangulation protocols that may be used to exchange data (e.g.activity data collected by accelerometer 14) and/or to identify thelocation of the end user. All such capabilities of these elements, aswell as the others outlined herein, may be provided within accelerometer14 and/or computing device to achieve such operations. However, due totheir flexibility, these two elements may alternatively be equipped with(or include) any suitable component, device, application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), processor, microprocessor, algorithm,read-only memory (ROM) element, random access memory (RAM) element,erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmableROM (EEPROM), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any othersuitable element or object that is operable to facilitate the operationsthereof. Considerable flexibility is provided by the structure ofcomputing device 18 in the context of communication system 10.

For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide someoverview as to the way in which the following invention operates. Thefollowing foundational information may be viewed as a basis from whichthe present invention may be properly explained. Such information isoffered earnestly for purposes of explanation only and, accordingly,should not be construed in any way to limit the broad scope of thepresent invention and its potential applications.

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for a multitude of illnesses.Precise quantification of physical activity is critical in anyenvironment, whether it be in the realm of heightened physical fitnessor in situations where some individual is in poor health. Physicalactivity is especially important in measuring the outcomes in frail,sedentary populations, and in the elderly, because small improvements inphysical functioning such as walking and balance may translate intosignificantly improved higher-order function and life quality.Nonetheless, although daily monitoring of physical activity is of greatinterest to investigators and clinicians alike, methods to preciselymeasure this vital dimension of function have only been recentlyavailable.

Methods in current use for measuring daily activity include directobservation, self-report questionnaires and diaries, radioisotopetechniques (doubly-labeled water measurement of energy expenditure), andheart-rate monitoring. These methods suffer from several problems.Direct observation is both time-consuming and intrusive, and self-reportquestionnaires and diaries that rely on memory are imprecise (especiallyin the elderly) and are time-intensive for subjects. Radioisotopemethodology is both costly and technologically complex. Heart-ratemonitoring is both expensive and imprecise in patients whose heart ratesmay vary due to medication use and other causes unrelated to physicalactivity. In addition, neither radioisotope and heart-rate monitoringtechnologies are capable of providing information on specific patterningof activity.

Accelerometer movement sensors are a practical alternative to othermethods, providing a high degree of precision across a wide range ofactivity levels at a relatively low cost. Single-axis accelerometersmeasure movement in one plane and have been widely used to studyphysical activity and energy consumption in healthy young people and theelderly. In addition to having only one plane of measurement, a majordisadvantage of some accelerometers is inadequate data storage andretrieval technology, which requires study subjects to read and recordoutput from the device when measurement is carried out over days.

More recently, a new generation of multi-axis accelerometers have beendeveloped that have improved sensitivity and are more suitable forresearch purposes. (Note that accelerometer 14 may be a single plane,dual-plane, tri-plane, or multi-plane device.) These devices have beencompared to doubly labeled water to study energy expenditure in normal,active people, and to study activity in relatively sedentary clinicalpopulations, including nursing home residents, outpatients with multiplesclerosis (MS), and obese children.

Accelerometer measurement of walking would assist greatly in clarifyingthe role of walking behavior as a marker and perhaps determinant ofphysical functioning in the elderly and persons with chronic illness.Walking is the activity targeted for improvement in most pulmonaryrehabilitation programs and other health-maintenance regimens aimed atimproving physical functioning, prolonging life, and preventing illnessassociated with sedentary living. In other scenarios, accelerometermeasurements of running sessions or workouts provide an invaluabletraining tool for the serious athlete. Accelerometer 14 can accuratelygauge activity associated with vigorous training regimens. In addition,the collected data may serve as a terrific training log for any athlete,as his progress and daily energy expenditures may readily be determined.

When looking at energy utilization, there are generally four types ofapproaches for measuring energy expended by an individual, they are: 1)oxygen consumption; 2) heart-rate monitoring; 3) pedometers; and 4)accelerometers. Pedometers are highly inaccurate, heart-rate monitoringmeasurements are often skewed (e.g. due to conditioning, deconditioning,drugs, etc.), and direct oxygen consumption measurements aretime-consuming, cumbersome, and expensive. Hence, accelerometers providea viable alternative to these flawed devices.

FIG. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a number of example stepsassociated with a method to be performed within communication system 10.The flowchart begins at step 100, where accelerometer 14 is suitablypositioned on an end user, a patient, an employee, or any other targetedindividual. At step 102, the end user initiates some activity such aswalking or running. Alternatively, the end user may simply be movingabout such that some form of exercise is being performed and thecorresponding data recorded.

As the end user participates in some form of activity, accelerometer 14monitors the end user activity and records all data readings that arerecognized. This is illustrated by step 104. Accelerometer 14 may beturned to an ON position by the end user in order to track suchmovement, or the device itself may be autonomous in responding to someform of movement. At step 106, the collected data may be relayed to anysuitable computing platform (such as computing device 18). This may beachieved in a wireless fashion (as detailed below) or via a modem, auniversal serial bus (USB) connection, or any other suitable connection,link, or port.

At step 108, the collected data may be accessed by any suitable entityauthorized to do so. For example, the end user himself may review thecollected data via his home personal computer. In other scenarios, anemployer may seek to review this collected data. In still otherscenarios, a provider of healthcare may wish to ascertain thisinformation. The collected data may be presented to these entities inany suitable format: having any appropriate organization, which may bebased on user preferences.

Note that the benefit of exercise has been well-documented. However,this descriptive information has not been quantified. For example, astudy could suggest that the occurrence of breast cancer could bereduced significantly if exercise was increased in the targetpopulation. But the bigger question would be: what level of activitywould solicit this positive response? Hence, accelerometer readingsshould be translated into some metric that provides a tool forascertaining activity levels. Activity values, which could representenergy expended or energy intensity, could then be correlated to somelevel of fitness. This would allow activity to be quantified forindividuals and groups. Hence, the exercise component and the healthbenefits of various states can be accurately quantified. This wouldoffer a powerful tool in evaluating the correlation between activity andhealth.

In addition, an overall activity level of an individual or a group couldbe readily determined. This would allow for a correlation of health carecosts (i.e. associated medical costs) and activity levels for variousgroups. Also, productivity levels could be correlated to activity levelsidentified through accelerometer 14. The measurements of accelerometer14 could be used to provide a verifiable metric for comparing any numberof various characteristics amongst individuals or groups.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example wirelesscommunication architecture that may be used in communication system 10.Other embodiments may use other non-wireless connections, as describedmore fully herein. The arrangement features the use of a number ofaccelerometers 14 that can be used in any number of configurations (e.g.strapped to an end user's chest, ankle, wrist, belt, etc.). FIG. 3 mayalso include a base station 26, which represents a type of computingdevice 18. The illustrated architecture may also include an Internet 28,a telephone network 30, a management server 32, an administrator 34, aphysician 36, and a nurse 38.

These elements may cooperate in order to stealthy collect patient datain this example. Accelerometers 14 can be issued to selected individuals(e.g. students or employees) or patients. Accelerometers 14 may be worncontinuously by the selected individuals or only worn during certaintimes, such as during exercise activities being completed by theindividual.

In one embodiment, a BLUETOOTH chip may be provided in eachaccelerometer 14 such that data may be collected from the patient in amanner that requires no effort from the individual. BLUETOOTH, alsoreferred to as IEEE 802.15, generally uses the radio waves located inthe frequency band of 2.4 GHz (2400 to 2483.5 MHz). In this band,BLUETOOTH can transmit voice and data at flows lower than one megabitper second. The BLUETOOTH devices generally can function in twomodes: 1) circuit switched (the most common mode for voicecommunications and wireless digital networks); and 2) packet switched(the mode for Internet data, as well as for higher bandwidth mobilecommunication systems (e.g. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)).

A given accelerometer 14 can use either one or both of these modes oruse some other appropriate BLUETOOTH application. In packet switchedmode, the connection is asynchronous with a rising flow of 57.6 Kbps to721 Kbps. In the second mode, the connection is synchronous with a flowof approximately 64 Kbps. In operation, BLUETOOTH behaves as a wirelesspersonal area networking (PAN) technology that allows devices to connect(e.g. with base station 26) in a range of approximately 33 feet (10meters) up to 100 meters with approximately 0 to 20 dBm output power.Thus, accelerometers 14 within the proximity of base station 26 mayreadily transmit data in a quick and an accurate manner.

The BLUETOOTH technology allows for a systematic and a covert retrievalof patient data. The data itself is highly accurate, as the integrity ofthe data is maintained as it traverses a pathway that leads tomanagement server 32, which can aggregate any number of data setscollected by accelerometer 14. The data sets could represent a group ofindividuals who are using one or more accelerometers 14. The key is tocapture the data with little effort from the patient. One concern is toalleviate the patient from the obligation of logging information, butthe more important concern is to provide the ability to collect highquality data. As described above, self-reported data is problematic, asit is often incorrect and skewed.

In alternative scenarios, other wireless forms of communication couldalso be accommodated by the present invention. For example, infraredsystems, laser technologies, bar-coding scenarios, and any othersuitable technologies could be implemented in cooperation with theteachings of the present invention. In still other embodiments, a cablecould be used in combination with accelerometer 14. For example, asimple USB port from a computer could be used to deliver data fromaccelerometer 14 to a home computer. The home computer could then relaythe data, via Internet 28 or telephone network 30, to management server32. Hence, these scenarios would allow for wireless or wired embodimentsof the present invention or direct base station applications.

For example, in other embodiments a cable could be used to plug directlyinto base station 26. In still other embodiments, a series of dockingstations or cradles could be provided in conjunction with accelerometers14. The docking stations could receive accelerometer 14 andautomatically download the collected data. The data exchange could bedone quickly such that the patient or individual is minimally burdenedwith such a task.

Each accelerometer 14 may also include the ability to uniquely identifythe user of the device. Each accelerometer 14 could also be capable ofstoring information and providing feedback to the user. For example, thefeedback could include (e.g. text, graphic, video, sound, etc.) messagessuch as: “goal accomplished,” “please slow down as you are exceedingyour recommended activity range,” or any other suitable message, alert,or signal that can be understood by the user. Thus, each accelerometer14 may include an ability to store the patient data, as well as sometype of technology that can transmit the recorded patient data to basestation 26. Accordingly, accelerometers 14 may include any suitablehardware, software, memory units, components, elements, or objects thatmay be utilized or implemented to achieve the operations and functionsdescribed herein

Base station 26 is an element that is equipped with electronics that arecapable of interfacing with accelerometers 14. Base station 26 couldreadily accommodate a wireless transmission from accelerometer 14 tobase station 26. In one embodiment (particular to a BLUETOOTHapplication), base station 26 could include a BLUETOOTH chip, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), and a modem. In alternative embodiments, basestation 26 could include any other suitable technology that facilitatesthe reception of patient data from accelerometers 14. Alternatively,base station 26 may also include any other appropriate hardware,software, algorithms, processors, EEPROMs, EPROMs, or any other suitableelements that facilitate their operations. Such alternativeconfigurations may be based on particular communication needs. Moreover,in other embodiments, all of the elements of FIG. 3 may be provided inany suitable ASICs, application intervention interfaces (APIs),elements, or objects (or any suitable combination of these elements)operable to facilitate the operations thereof.

The modem included in base station 26 could connect (via a telephoneline (through telephone network 30) or internet 28) to management server32, which could receive the data. The provided technology (e.g.BLUETOOTH, infrared, bar-coding, etc.) allows base station 26 to betransformed from a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network(WAN). Thus, base station 26 can collect data locally from accelerometer14 and then relay that information in a WAN-like manner via Internet 28and telephone network 30. Management server 32 could collect all thepatient data and organize it in any appropriate fashion. Such datapropagation methods could be performed with minimal expense for theirassociated transmissions.

Internet 28 and telephone network 30 are intermediary links that areused to deliver data collected from accelerometers 14. These elementsmay be replaced by any metropolitan area network (MAN), wireless localarea network (WLAN), or any other appropriate architecture or systemthat facilitates communications in a network or a telephone environment.Internet 28 may include any suitable connection (e.g. dial-up, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), cable, etc.) to facilitate the delivery of data.

Once the data is collected by management server 32, any suitableapplication could then be executed using the collected information. Forexample, the data could be collected by management server 32 and thenrelayed to physician 36 or nurse 38, who could then review the results.Physician 36 or nurse 38 could then send a feedback message back throughthe system (e.g. via base station 26 to accelerometer 14) such that thepatient could view the message. In other scenarios, physician 36 ornurse 38 could simply transfer the information to a patient chart or logfor future review. In still other scenarios, the collected data may bedelivered to a trainer or coach that reviews the activity informationand then offers suitable feedback to the end user.

Other applications could include a simple patient log that is maintainedby management server 32 automatically. Management server 32 may storepersonal records for the participating individuals, comparisons between(for example) departments, age groups, etc., and offer a place foradministrator 34 to evaluate and to review the collected data. Inaddition, administrator 34 (who may need to use a log-in prompt andcorresponding password) can oversee the progress of each individual andcreate his own graphs, charts, records, etc. In contrast to other healthparadigms that may monitor critical levels of a patient weekly ormonthly (e.g. through in-office doctor visits), such applications couldgenerate a record and a printout that reflects patient levels beingrecorded several times per-day. Improvements or deteriorations in thepatient could then readily be identified. Because of their extensiveoperations, management server 32 may include any suitable hardware,software, devices, components, algorithms, EEPROMs, EPROMs, elements, orobjects that may be utilized or implemented to achieve the operationsand functions described herein. Alternatively, other configurations ofmanagement server 32 may include any other suitable elements that arebased on particular communication needs. In addition, the term“management server” may encompass any suitable network or electronicdevices that are operable to perform the functions described herein.Such devices may include databases, host computers, and processors, forexample.

It should be noted that the internal structure of the system of FIG. 3is malleable and can be readily changed, modified, rearranged, orreconfigured in order to achieve its intended operations or additionaloperations. Additionally, any of the items within FIG. 3 may becombined, where appropriate, or replaced with other functional elementsthat are operable to achieve any of the operations described herein.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are simplified schematic diagrams of example operations ofcommunication system 10. Both FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict example stages ofthe present invention, whereby these schematic show two examplescenarios that involve one individual, who is exercising and anotherthat is simply working at his job. In the example embodiment of FIG. 4,the individual is participating in an exercise program. Accelerometer 14tracks the end user's movement during his exercise. Once the end usercompletes his exercise, he then returns to his home and downloads thecollected data to computing device 18. In the alternative scenario thatis illustrated, a docketing station 42 is provided to receiveaccelerometer 14. Once positioned in docketing station 42, accelerometer14 may transmit the stored information automatically to any suitablenext destination.

Turning to FIG. 5, the end user is again participating in an exerciseregimen (perhaps during his lunch break at a local gym). In this casehowever, the end user simply walks past a given base station 26 (whichreflects a type of computing device 18) such that his data is relayeddirectly to base station 26. In this scenario, base station 26 isstrategically positioned such that the patient is not even aware of thedata transmission. The data that is collected is relayed to base station26: unbeknownst to the end user. This scenario illustrates an examplework environment in which data can be routinely collected while theindividual is completing his daily tasks. Note that the two scenarios ofFIGS. 4 and 5 offer just a couple of the possible arrangements for anend user to benefit from the teachings of the present invention.Alternatively, base station 26 could be positioned in any suitablelocation such that the collected data may propagate from accelerometer14 to base station 26.

The aggregation of any incoming data from the operations of FIGS. 4 and5 may be executed by management server 32. Management server 32 mayreceive such data via Internet 28 or telephone network 30, asillustrated in FIG. 3. Management server 32 may be positioned in anysuitable location such that it can properly receive the incoming patientdata. Management server 32 may be coupled to Internet 28 and/ortelephone network 30 or coupled to any other link or device such that itcan receive the raw patient data.

As outlined above, the collected data reflects a general compilation ofend user data that may be organized in any format. The decision as tothe format, organization, and display of the data may be executed byadministrator 34, physician 36, nurse 38, or the end user himself. Thecollected data may be stored within management server 32 or stored inany other appropriate location. In addition, any number of programs maybe run on the collected data in order to produce desired outputs andresultants. For example, the collected data (e.g. displayed and storedin computing device 18 or management server 32) can be used as a basisfor comparisons, graphs, charts, spreadsheets, or any other graphicalillustrations or profiles based on particular needs. In otherembodiments, the collected data may automatically trigger any suitablemessage to be sent to the end user. For example, certain messages may berelated to encouragement or alerts about over-exertion. Hence, othermessages could relate to warnings for the patient to reduce or increasehis levels of activity, walking, etc. Considerable flexibility isoffered by such messaging scenarios.

It is important to note that the stages and steps in FIGS. 2 through 5illustrate only some of the possible scenarios that may be executed by,or within, the present system. Some of these stages and/or steps may bedeleted or removed where appropriate, or these stages and/or steps maybe modified or changed considerably without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. In addition, a number of these operations havebeen described as being executed concurrently with, or in parallel to,one or more additional operations. However, the timing of theseoperations may be altered. The preceding example flows have been offeredfor purposes of teaching and discussion. Substantial flexibility isprovided by the tendered architecture in that any suitable arrangements,chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may be providedwithout departing from the broad scope of the present invention.

Note that the example embodiments described above can be replaced with anumber of potential alternatives where appropriate. The processes andconfigurations discussed herein only offer some of the numerouspotential applications of system 10. The elements and operations listedin FIGS. 1-5 may be achieved with use of system 10 in any number ofcontexts and applications. Accordingly, communications capabilities,data processing features and elements, suitable infrastructure, adequatepersonnel and management, and any other appropriate software, hardware,or data storage objects may be included within system 10 to effectuatethe tasks and operations of the elements and activities associated withmanaging healthcare costs.

Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, andmodifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it isintended that the present invention encompass all such changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In order to assistthe United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and additionallyany readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting theclaims appended hereto, Applicant wishes to note that the Applicant: (a)does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph six (6)of 35 U.S.C. section 112 as it exists on the date of filing hereofunless the words “means for” are specifically used in the particularclaims; and (b) does not intend by any statement in the specification tolimit his invention in any way that is not otherwise reflected in theappended claims.

1. A method for communicating data, comprising: collecting dataassociated with a mammal using an accelerometer, wherein theaccelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with themammal; and communicating the data to a computing device, wherein theaccelerometer uniquely identifies the mammal, and wherein theaccelerometer is configured such that a decision to display the data isexecuted by an administrator of the accelerometer, wherein theaccelerometer is configured to provide feedback based on a combinationof the collected data and additional data that is unique to the mammal,the additional data being associated with a profile of the mammal. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the accelerometer is positioned on acollar to be worn by the mammal.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein themammal is a pet selected from a group of pets, consisting of: a) a dog;b) a cat; and c) a horse.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:maintaining the data such that it can be transmitted over acommunication link, wherein the communication link is a selected one ofa group of communication links, the group consisting of: a) a universalserial bus cable; b) a modem; and c) a wireless connection.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the data from the accelerometer iscommunicated to the computing device using an IEEE 802.15 protocol. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing the data such that itmay be reviewed, wherein the stored data may be processed using one ormore software applications.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: communicating a selected one of location information andactivity information provided by the accelerometer using a selected oneof a group of protocols, the group consisting of: a) a globalpositioning system (GPS) protocol; b) a geo-fencing protocol; and c) atriangulation protocol.
 8. An apparatus to be used in collecting data,comprising: an accelerometer operable to monitor activity associatedwith a mammal, the accelerometer being operable to collect and to storedata associated with the activity, wherein the accelerometer is furtheroperable to communicate the data to a computing device, and whereinactivity calculations made by the accelerometer are based on aconversion of gravity or of motion to an electrical signal, theaccelerometer uniquely identifying the mammal, and wherein theaccelerometer is configured to provide feedback based on a combinationof the collected data and additional data that is unique to the mammal,the additional data being associated with a profile of the mammal. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the computing device is a base stationoperable to receive the data from the accelerometer, the base stationbeing further operable to relay the data to a next destination via aselected one of a telephone network and an Internet network.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the accelerometer is positioned on acollar to be worn by the mammal.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, whereinthe accelerometer is operable to maintain the data such that it can betransmitted over a communication link.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the communication link is a selected one of a group ofcommunication links, the group consisting of: a) a universal serial buscable; b) a modem; and c) a wireless connection.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the mammal is a pet selected from a group of pets,consisting of: a) a dog; b) a cat; and c) a horse.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the accelerometer includes wireless technology that isoperable to transmit the data to a next destination in a wirelessfashion, the wireless technology being included in a group oftechnologies, the group consisting of: a) IEEE 802.15 technology; and b)infrared technology.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein theaccelerometer is further operable to communicate a selected one oflocation information and activity information included within theaccelerometer using a selected one of a group of protocols, the groupconsisting of: a) a global positioning system (GPS) protocol; b) ageo-fencing protocol; and c) a triangulation protocol.
 16. The apparatusof claim 8, further comprising: a management server operable to receivethe data from the accelerometer and to aggregate one or more sets ofdata collected by the accelerometer.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the management server is operable to be accessed by a selectedone of a veterinarian, a pet owner, and an administrator who isauthorized to have access to the data.
 18. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the data is processed using one or more software applications atthe computing device, and wherein the data may be displayed on thecomputing device using a selected one or more of a graph, a chart, aspreadsheet, and a graphic illustration.